New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the BJP’s massive victory in Bihar has laid the foundation for a similar performance in neighbouring West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC) currently rules. Speaking at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Modi drew an analogy with the river Ganga, stating, “The river Ganga flows to Bengal via Bihar. And the victory in Bihar, like the river, has paved the way for our victory in Bengal.”
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had a spectacular showing in Bihar, winning over 200 of the 243 assembly seats, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party. Modi credited the party workers, or karyakartas, for the success, saying, “Your hopes are my pledge and your dreams are my inspiration. For the BJP, the party workers are its strength.”
The Prime Minister also took aim at the Opposition, particularly the Mahagathbandhan alliance, warning Bengal voters against what he described as “Jungle Raj,” a term previously used by the BJP to highlight alleged misgovernance under non-NDA administrations. He said the victory in Bihar would not only influence Bengal but also inspire BJP workers in southern states.
BJP leaders eye Bengal victory
BJP leaders have already begun drawing parallels between Bihar and West Bengal. Union Minister Giriraj Singh warned TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee to “brace for the worst.” Suvendu Adhikari, a key BJP figure in Bengal, termed a potential BJP win in the state as “spectacular.” Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, invoking the party’s ‘Mission Bengal’ campaign, added, “Now the time comes to clean up the jungles of Bengal.”
These statements signal that the BJP is positioning itself aggressively for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Analysts say the party is leveraging its Bihar momentum and attempting to appeal to voters by highlighting governance and development narratives.
TMC fires back
The Trinamool Congress swiftly responded to the BJP’s remarks through its official social media handles. The party posted an old video of Mamata Banerjee, asserting, “It is not easy to play with us,” alongside a sharp message:
“You slink into Bengal, groveling for votes, after branding our sacred land ‘a state of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.’ To a party that wallows in such despicable slander, we hurl one searing question: Have you no shame at all?”
The TMC further asserted that Bengal voters would “democratically crush” BJP arrogance in the upcoming elections and dismissed any influence of Bihar’s results on their state politics. Spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, “That is Bihar’s equation. It has no connection with Bengal; with over 250 seats, Mamata Banerjee will become chief minister again.”
Political implications
The BJP’s emphasis on its Bihar triumph reflects a broader strategy to consolidate its position in eastern India. With Bihar and West Bengal sharing socio-political and cultural ties, party leaders argue that momentum in one state could influence voter sentiment in the neighbouring state. However, political analysts note that West Bengal’s political dynamics are distinct, and the TMC’s entrenched presence, along with Mamata Banerjee’s popularity, could pose significant challenges for the BJP despite the Bihar wave.
The coming months will see intensified campaigning, with both parties seeking to solidify their base ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. While the BJP aims to replicate its Bihar success, the TMC is preparing to defend its turf, highlighting governance achievements and voter loyalty.
Conclusion
As the political battle lines are drawn, the BJP seeks to leverage Bihar’s resounding victory as a springboard for future success in Bengal. Meanwhile, the TMC remains resolute in defending its stronghold, promising a heated electoral contest in the eastern state in 2026.